I have daltons in an 8.5E and they're a hair more wide than I'd like, but fit fine if I play with the lacing. I'm thinking of picking up a pair of Park Ave's in 8.5 D, will that be fine? I was previously fit in an 8E PA, but don't know if there's much difference between the 8E and 8.5D. Additionally, almost all my other dress shoes are an 8.5D with a couple that are 9D's and still fit fine. The only thing that hasn't fit me is a shoe that's a 9D but fits slightly big and an 8.5C. Those were mistakes! Heh.

That color is awesome - a pair of these is in fact en route to me right now (firsts for $159 - thank you, Vincenzo at the Shoe Bank!) and seeing yours is making me totally stoked about mine. I'm interested in care suggestions as well.

The Canadian guy asking about duties/taxes for AE shoes shipped from the US - while you may not have to pay duties, you might end up having to pay taxes. They're two different things as far as I understand.

this forum needs some livening up ... Which brings me to my inquiry that I posted last Friday regarding the number of "second" quality shoes that AE produces. Why are there so many? Is it really that many or does this forum skew my perspective on the number of second quality shoes? Why are issues with stitching, pinking, and medallion alignment oftentimes not noticed by quality control and sent out as first quality shoes? Is it because those making the shoes aren't true professionally trained craftsmen? Is it because of the speed at which they are required to work?

Please understand, these questions are in no way a knock on Allen Edmonds. I do not have any sort of bone to pick with Allen Edmonds, the only pair of AE shoes I own has no quality issues whatsoever. I have ordered my second pair and am waiting for them to show up at my doorstep. I also know that AE is more than willing to work with you if your alleged first quality shoes have these issues, or even issues that are far less concerning. I'm just curious to hear what you all happen to know/think about the subject...